Bottles bend their necks like thighs
diffusing light into green dust
that falls in small strips
through slatted wicker
over apple’s waxed red flesh.
A towering city of cheese
wedges blue-veined buildings
into a pungent neighborhood
where olives fuss over holes in Swiss stoops,
and silver fish squeeze into tin boats
only to be lifted slack
and plopped into the gullets of forever.
Brenda Warren 2014
Notes: I started with the first line, and decided to imagine a still life painting. When the words ‘plop,’ ‘squeeze,’ and ‘slack’ were left, all I could imagine was sardines. They do add to the pungency of the neighborhood, and they brought an unexpected ending to the piece.
Visit The Sunday Whirl
undercaws 
Wonderful picture! Great creativity!
LikeLike
This made me think of an old fashioned pantry, like we had when was growing up, with marble shelves and bowls of good things for now, or later…
LikeLike
I like were the words took you, Brenda. Especially like gullets of forever.
LikeLike
splendid words. I imagined a cheese/antipasto platter
LikeLike
Some lovely images there, Brenda.
LikeLike
Sardines or no, this is a delightful picture of a city. I love walking the back streets and discovering it’s real heart.
LikeLike
You painted an edible city! Though I have never been a sardine lover, they work just fine here, and I love that pungent neighborhood you created.
Elizabeth
http://soulsmusic.wordpress.com/2014/03/16/eve-of-escape/
LikeLike
That’s pretty good, sardines hahaha. I think that tops my Apple green Dust line. Love the poem.
LikeLike
Brenda, your opening stanza is powerful and captures the reader’s attention. Excellent write .
Pamela
LikeLike
Love what you did with the words! Beautiful still life!
LikeLike
Don’t you love those unexpected endings? I certainly love yours!
Apples from Paradise
LikeLike
Much life underneath! Such a beautiful opening line..and such a trip through the senses..and I will never look at a sardine in the same way..always good..
LikeLike
Love this, Brenda. A gorgeous cheese and fish plate turned to city. What a fresh approach.
LikeLike
I think the sardines are a great touch. I really enjoyed this, Brenda.
LikeLike
The 3 words blend very well with the painting elements. Wonderful write Brenda!
Hank
LikeLike